TAB-3

TAB-3

Inside the Command Headquarters, intelligence from multiple channels had been consolidated. Military deployment reports one after another proved that humanity's naval forces were concentrating in the Pacific Rim region. The monkeys, in particular, were making a great fuss.

The old commander knew a little more about this. Recently, the monkeys' leader had not been sitting very securely. Unlike the Koreans' leader, who was practically a cultural heritage candidate for going to prison, he had not gone in yet, but his situation was not looking optimistic either. This time, he seemed to be trying to demonstrate his resolve and win more American support.

"Heh." The old commander let out a humorless snort. Aliens would not show the Monkeys any restraint. Changing the subject, he continued, "How is our fleet preparation going?"

"Reporting to Commander, the official contact fleet centered on the Liaoning will complete its formation within twelve hours and set sail within twenty-four. The new weapon testing mission is also proceeding according to schedule."

"Do we have a suitable candidate for the new weapon test?" the commander asked sternly.

To deal with extraterrestrial civilization, new sharp swords were indispensable. Even if formal diplomatic relations could be established with the extraterrestrial civilization in the future, having a sword but not using it was entirely different from having no sword in hand.

"Yes! The test ammunition has been delivered to the forward airfield. This is the candidate selected through joint deliberation by the think tank and General Staff."

The old commander took the personnel file for the mission and began reading it.

"Liu Jun?"

He knew of this young man. The higher-ups had received various assessments of him from the think tank.

Psychological assessment: Confirmed that Comrade Liu Jun was in a normal psychological state after coming into contact with extraterrestrial civilization. No post-combat stress response had been observed. His current psychological condition was suitable for carrying out this mission.

Health status: All indicators normal.

Family factors: Only child.

Marital status: Unmarried.

The final decision was as follows:

① Under collective decision-making, and on the basis of respecting the comrade's wishes, he was assessed as the most suitable candidate to carry out the weapon testing mission.

② Under mission assignment, the weapon test required entering the extraterrestrial civilization aircraft's warning zone. This comrade possessed experience dealing with extraterrestrial aircraft, effectively increasing the weapon test's chance of success by 10%↑ and reducing the casualty rate by 15%↓.

③ Other factors.

Looking at the assessment report, the old commander knew that in confrontation with extraterrestrial civilization, given the characteristics of their weapons, experience versus inexperience was an extremely important dividing line. It could greatly increase a pilot's odds of survival. Just like an experienced test pilot, his ability to deal with aerial situations far surpassed that of an ordinary pilot.

Of course, when it came down to actual execution, it would still depend on Liu Jun's personal wishes. If he was unwilling, someone else would take over the mission.

--

Given your family circumstances, you may refuse.

"Command Headquarters, this is Changkong. I guarantee completion of the mission!"

Liu Jun answered without hesitation. Could he really let Flight Experience that was already within reach slip away? Besides, as a soldier, how could he shrink back before a mission?

After receiving Liu Jun's clear answer, Command Headquarters sent him an encrypted code through the directional data link.

After confirming Liu Jun's willingness once again, the communications channel fell silent for several seconds before issuing the next instruction:

Changkong, emergency code-2 (emergency codes are usually used to rapidly convey orders and coordinate actions in emergencies; this is fictional), proceed to the coordinates (longitude and latitude) using the identification code. Maintain radio silence and await further instructions. Classification level: Secret.

"Changkong copies. Proceeding to the coordinates complete. Roger."

Upon receiving the order, Liu Jun immediately aborted his flight toward the Liaoning's location, pulled back on the stick to turn out, and changed his heading and altitude.

Liu Jun was not particularly surprised by the sudden emergency mission, classified Secret. Given the current situation, missions could be issued at any time. Looking at the coordinates provided, they were in the western Pacific. He remembered there being nothing there but water, along with a few reefs.

It was probably related to the aliens. Choosing him for it was practically a perfect professional match.

After setting the current coordinates, he used INS—inertial navigation, which required no external guidance—to head toward the coordinates designated by his superiors. He surveyed his surroundings through his sunglasses. The light at high altitude was intense, so he had to lower them to protect his eyes.

The weather was good today. He checked his fuel. Although he had not entered the warning line, he did not have much fuel left. Yet when he was 130 nautical miles from the coordinates, a directional data link connected to the J-15.

TAB-3, forward aviation base, calling Changkong. Please land according to guidance.

"Changkong, received."

Liu Jun descended and entered the landing procedure under the ground Control Tower's guidance.

When the J-15 pierced through the thick clouds, a four-kilometer-long narrow island appeared in the middle of the azure sea, with a conspicuous runway atop it.

When had they built an airport at sea? Liu Jun stared at the airport below in astonishment. Not long ago, this had still been a reef island. And how many such airfields, normally left unused, were there? The thought was terrifying.

"Preparing to enter. Changkong calling Control Tower, requesting permission to land."

Permission granted.

He worked the throttle, extended the landing flaps, and lowered the landing gear.

Bang! The J-15 slammed heavily onto the runway and decelerated. It finally taxied to a stop in the marked parking area beside the runway.

The canopy opened. One ground crewman ran over carrying a ladder, while another dragged over a fuel hose to refuel the J-15. Several more ground crewmen installed external fuel tanks onto the J-15's heavy-duty underbelly pylons.

Liu Jun climbed down the ladder and swept his gaze across the forward airfield. The newly constructed buildings in the distance were all reinforced prefabricated structures, but their facilities were complete. He also spotted camouflaged surface-to-air missile positions, shore-based anti-ship missile positions, and radar sites.

Retracting his gaze, Liu Jun watched several ground crewmen inspect the external fuel tanks and calculated the mission's range in his mind.

Without external fuel tanks, the J-15 had a range of roughly 3,500 kilometers. With one external fuel tank, its range was roughly 4,500 kilometers, while its combat radius under standard configuration was 1,200 kilometers.

Judging from his current location, Liu Jun had formed a rough guess. At that moment, a transport vehicle sped over. Several service soldiers brought him steaming hot food, bottled mineral water, airborne emergency rations, and drinking water. These things further confirmed his suspicions.

Liu Jun ate quietly nearby while the ground crew silently prepared the aircraft. Throughout the entire process, no one spoke to him.

"Second Lieutenant, refueling is complete. The aircraft is fully operational."

"Understood! Thanks for your hard work!"

As soon as Liu Jun finished speaking, he saw a major arrive in a transport vehicle. After Liu Jun finished eating, the major gestured with his eyes for him to go somewhere open. Liu Jun stood up and followed the major, who was carrying a folder, to a distant spot.

Amid the scent of the sea breeze, the major handed the folder to Liu Jun. "Comrade Liu Jun, this is your mission."